The fire trailer in practice: one piece of equipment, many types of callout

When deciding whether to acquire new equipment, municipalities and units often ask one question: what real-world benefit will it bring? A fire trailer isn't just an add-on to the fleet, but a versatile resource that finds a use across a whole range of callouts. The overview below shows specific real-world situations where a trailer significantly boosts the operational capability of JPO V, III and II units (volunteer fire-protection unit categories).

Long-distance water transport: the trailer's key role

One of the most common uses of a fire trailer is long-distance water transport. A trailer equipped with a Tohatsu or Rosenbauer FOX fire pump, hoses and fittings can act as:

1. a standalone pumping station at a water source,
2. an intermediate stage in long hose lines,
3. a support element for tanker fire engines (CAS).

A major advantage is the option of leaving the trailer right at the water source, while the towing vehicle can return to base or be used for resupply or other tasks. This is particularly practical for smaller units with a limited number of vehicles.

A pumping station for tankers (CAS)

Combined with a powerful portable pump — for example the Tohatsu VE1500 — the fire trailer turns into a fully fledged pumping station. This solution proves its worth above all:

1. at fires in municipalities with no hydrant network,
2. when supplying tankers (CAS) from open water sources,
3. during longer callouts that require a stable water supply.

Support for fire suppression

Although the trailer doesn't replace a tanker fire engine, in practice it can be used to support fire suppression:

1. transporting hoses, dividing breechings and fittings to the scene,
2. providing back-up equipment during larger fires,
3. the option of deployment in harder-to-reach terrain that a tanker can't get to.

For JPO V units, a trailer can play a crucial role, especially in the initial phase of a callout.

Floods and flash storms

During floods and extreme rainfall, the fire trailer is often one of the busiest pieces of equipment. Thanks to its modular design it can be fitted with:

1. pumps and a water vacuum,
2. a generator for an independent power supply,
3. lighting for working at night.

The trailer can be moved quickly between individual scenes, or left as a permanent workstation in the worst-affected area.

Road accidents and technical assistance

At road accidents and technical assistance callouts, the fire trailer serves mainly as:

1. a source of technical equipment,
2. a means of lighting the scene,
3. a base for clearing roads (absorbents, tools, vacuum).

Thanks to the clear arrangement of equipment, the unit's work is faster and safer.

Other typical callouts

The fire trailer also finds a use in further situations:

1. dealing with troublesome insects (a dedicated module),
2. weather-related technical callouts — fallen trees, damaged structures,
3. preventive events and exercises, where the trailer serves as a mobile technical base.

The fire trailer is a flexible and cost-effective way to significantly boost a unit's operational capability without having to acquire further heavy equipment. It makes it possible to respond to a broad range of emergencies — from fires through floods to technical callouts — and to adapt the equipment to the current needs of the municipality or region.

So if a municipality or unit is looking for a solution that strengthens preparedness, increases the safety of responders and is at the same time financially sustainable, the fire trailer is a proven choice in practice. A single resource — many possible uses.